Apparatus for exhibiting tableaux.



No. 669,384. Patented-Mar. 5, ;l90l..

JQIJOWEL APPARATUS FOR EXHI BITING TABLEAUX.

{Application fllad Sept. 14, IQOUJ (No Nodal.)

WITNESSES: INVENTOR m: Noam: PETERS no. mm'ouma. WASHINGTON, up.

2 sham-khan No..669,384. Patented MarQS, I90l;

.l. HOWE. APPARATUS ron EXHIBITING TABLEAUX.

(Applicafin filed Sept. 14, 1900.

WITNESSES INVENTOR TNITED STATES PATENT FRANZ JULIUS DOWE, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR T0 FREDERICK KLOPPENBURG, OF SAME PLACE.

APPARATUS FOR EXHIBITING TABLEAUX.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 669,384, dated March 5, 1901. Application filed September 1 1900. Serial No. 29,988. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANZ JULIUS Down, a citizen of Germany, residing in the city of New York, in the State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Exhibiting Tableaux, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to apparatus for use in exhibiting tableaux, especially in theaters.

I will describe an apparatus embodying my invention and then point out the novel features thereof in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure '1 is a front elevation of an apparatus for exhibitingtableauxembodyingmyinvention. Fig. 2 is a rear elevation of the same, Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse section.

Similar letters of reference designate corresponding parts in all of the figures.

A represents a proscenium having the usual opening through which scenes, &c.,are viewed by an audience. The usual curtain is provided, which is moved to open and close the opening, and thus disclose and close to view the scene, &c.

B represents a framework comprising vertical, horizontal, and oblique parts b, which are so arranged as to form the framework and brace each other. These parts b are detachably connected together in order that the framework B may be taken apart, as desired.

The detachable fastening means are here shown as consisting of oppositely-arranged metal plates 1), so arranged as to receive a portion of a part 1) between them, and bolts 6 which pass through the plates b and through the portion of a part b between them. This frame when resting on a stage or other support may be held by means of angle-plates b and bolts 1). The usual props b may also be employed. This framework may also be raised and lowered into and out of the flies by means of ropes b, which pass around overhead pulleys 17 C represents an ornamented covering for a portion of the framework B, which covering is secured thereto. The remaining portion of the frame B is also provided with a covering 0, which will contrast with the covering C. The covering C is stiff or is stiffened in order that it may support lights 0 on its reverse or rear side. The side of the covering 0 exposed to view is decorated in any suitable manner. 7 The covering is also provided with an opening 0, through which the tableaux are viewed. framework B may be provided with a single decorated covering.

D represents a plurality of curtains or drops appropriately decorated, which are supported above the framework B. These curtains or drops are raised and loweredfrom behind the opening C by means of ropes d passing over pulleys d. The severa'l curtains D are arranged some considerable distance in the rear of the framework B for various reasons, principal among which is that when one of these curtains is lowered it may be moved'or adjusted behind the tableaux. With this adjustment of each curtain, in connection with the lights on the rear of the covering, the perspective of the tableaux may be greatly enhanced. To bring the several curtains into proper position, each is provided with a pair of ropes 01 01 which pass around pulleys (1 d These pulleys are preferably secured to the framework B, and the ropes are secured about cleats d The ropes d are extended to any desired position where they may be conveniently handled.

E represents stands having the usual adjustable rests e, on which the figures of the tableaux are posed. These stands are arranged behind the drop-curtain, with parts of. stand projecting intermediate the covering 0 and the curtain or drop D to be used for tableau, suitable openings being made in the drop D to allow part of the stand to project.

The apparatus or appliance is employed in the following manner: The framework B,with its contrasting coverings, is set up in position in the rear of the proscenium-opening. The stands E are placed in the rear of the framework, and the curtain or drop D to be employed is then lowered. After it has been lowered to clear the remaining drops the pair of ropes 01 attached to it are then moved about their pulleys d d to bring the curtain into the approximate position, the ropes 01 serving as arms and the pulleys d as pivots for the arms for this operation. After the Instead of two coverings O C the.

curtain or drop is placed the figures are then posed upon the stands.

The different steps enumerated in the foregoing need not be followed in the order stated.

5 On the contrary, their order may be changed as found convenient.

Instead of moving each curtainor drop toward or away from the framework the framework may be moved toward or away I0 from the curtains by the same means as described in connection with the curtains. The ropes h of the framework B would in this modification serve as arms and the pulleys as pivots for said arms.

What I claim as my invention is 1. The combination of a framework provided with a covering having an opening, a curtain in the rear of said framework supported by ropes, by which it is raised or lowered, and other ropes secured to said curtain -or drop by means of which the curtain is moved nearer or away from the framework, substantially as described.

2. The combination of a framework provided with a covering having an opening, means for suspending or supporting said framework, and covering; a plurality of ourtains arranged on one side of said framework, above it, and at some distance away from it;

means provided for each curtain for raising and lowering it and other means for moving each of said curtains toward or away from said framework, after the curtain is lowered and clear of the remaining curtains, substantially as described.

3. The combination of a framework provided with an ornamented covering on one of its sides, which covering has an opening; two series of pulleys carried by said framework, decorated curtains or drops arranged above and to one side of said framework and each provided with means for raising and lowering it; and 0 her means secured to each curtain or drop and passing behind a pulley in each series for moving its curtain or drop toward or away from said framework, substantially as described.

4. In an apparatus for exhibiting tableaux, the combination of a framework, a decorated covering for said framework having an opening and provided with lights on its undecorated side; a series of decorated curtains or drops arranged above and in the rear of said covering; means provided for each of said curtains for raising and lowering it from behind the covering; means provided for each curtain-for adjusting it relatively to said covering; and means intermediate the covering and curtain on which figures may be posed.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FRANZ JULIUS DOWE.

Witnesses:

FRED KLOPPENBURG, JULIUS SCHWARZ. 

